The Best Things To Do In Saxapahaw, North Carolina

No, Saxapahaw is not a town dreamed up by William Faulkner. This charming spot in North Carolina is real, and it’s worth a visit. Pronounced “Sax-ah-PUH-haw”, this tiny village on the Haw River in Alamance County is a unique example of how small-town life can foster community and creativity. There is lots to do here too, making it a great weekend getaway or pit stop on your way to the Triangle area.

Located about 20 miles west of Chapel Hill, Saxapahaw was once a mill town, and evidence of its former life can be found all over the village. Over the past decade, the area has steadily transformed itself into a destination for the arts, food, and access to nature—but without the crowds and faster pace of cities like Asheville or Raleigh.

Unlike other once-booming industry towns that faded away over time, Saxapahaw reinvented itself. The former Dixie Yarns Cotton Mill, now called Saxapahaw Rivermill, is a collection of cottages, apartments, and townhomes, as well as a fitness and wellness center. Dixie Yarns’ former Dye House has been revamped into what serves as a town center of sorts—businesses including a bakery, coffee shop, salon, pub, and brewery now fill the vast space. It’s also home to the Haw River Ballroom a concert venue that attracts nationally-touring musicians and concertgoers from nearby cities, and Culture Mill, a space for artist residencies, performances, and education.

Saxapahaw’s population may be small (about 1,300 people in 2020, according to the U.S. Census), but there’s a strong sense of community spirit here. You’ll feel it, even if you’re just passing through for a day.

What To Do In Saxapahaw, North Carolina

Start your day at the Dye House, a cavernous three-level space that is home to many businesses in the village, including Cup 22, a coffee shop located in the Haw River Ballroom, a music venue and event space. Grab a house made cinnamon roll and a latte and soak in the scenery and fresh air from one of two riverside outdoor decks. Or, if it’s later in the day, grab a beer at Haw River Farmhouse Ales, an on-site brewery with a tasting room.

While you’re there, check out the Haw River Ballroom’s events calendar. There are shows nearly every week, and the range of acts is impressive—you might see open mic nights, jazz quartets, or big-name acts. Jeff Tweedy, Drive By Truckers, Jason Isbell, and Son Volt have all performed here. Culture Mill, a “performing arts laboratory” inside the Dye House, also hosts a wide array of performances throughout the year, including dance, poetry readings, and theater.

Browse for treasures at Freehand Market, a sweet little gift shop offering items ranging from stylish canvas bags and fanny packs (yes, they’re back!) made by North Carolina designer Rachel Elise to greeting cards to loose leaf teas and tinctures. The majority of the products are from women-run and North Carolina-based businesses.

With its proximity to the Haw River, this is a great place to spend some time outdoors. At the Haw River Kayak & Canoe Co., you can rent gear and explore the calm waters of Saxapahaw Lake on your own. For a little more excitement, the Saxapahaw Mill Race to Union Bridge course includes whitewater rapids. Or book a guided tour—sunset and moonlight paddles are available, as well as kayak fishing and stand-up paddle boarding. Plus, the guided tours offer information about the river and conservation efforts to preserve it.

Saxapahaw Island Park offers easy walking trails, a meadow, and a playground that’s best known for a 45-foot-long wooden slide in the shape of a fish. (It’s actually really cool.)

If you’re in town in the summer, Saturdays in Saxapahaw is a must-do. Each Saturday from May to the end of August, there is a free outdoor festival with live music, food trucks, arts and crafts, and activities for kids. It’s been a community event since 2015, and now draws in plenty of visitors too.

Where To Eat In Saxapahaw, North Carolina

There aren’t many dining options in the village, but the ones that are there are very, very good. Saxapahaw General Store, perhaps the popular destination in Saxapahaw, calls itself a “five-star gas station,” but don’t let that fool you. Open from breakfast to dinner, and for brunch on the weekends, it’s home to some of the best food in town. From steamed mussels in white wine, to coconut-braised pork shoulder, to burgers and catfish sandwiches, the menu is as eclectic as it gets. It’s inclusive too, offering vegetarian and vegan options for diners. The General Store prides itself on working with local farms and purveyors for menu ingredients, and also what they sell in their market. It’s a true gathering place where locals support other locals.

The Eddy Pub offers riverfront views in a relaxed setting and a menu of comfort food favorites that are also thoughtfully made with many ingredients from local farmers. The Pimiento Cheese Fries are legendary in these parts, the gumbo includes Gulf Coast shrimp and North Carolina amberjack, and the BBQ Plate comes with braised brisket, bacon barbecue sauce, hush puppies, slaw, corn, and honey butter. There’s an extensive beer, wine, and cocktail menu and a menu for kids as well—everyone is welcome here.

Where To Stay In Saxapahaw, North Carolina

While there isn’t a hotel in Saxapahaw, there are rental options like River Landing Inn, which offers a private one-bedroom loft space, the Yurt at Frog Pond Farm, and the Inn at Bingham School, located about four miles outside of the village.

TerraStay Farm is a working farm that offers agritourism experiences, including four cabins where guests can stay. Tour the farm, pet some sheep, and enjoy the fresh air from your private front porch.

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